2021-2022 Winter Event #1, Update #1

Good evening.

Alright this is will short as it’s been a long day – alright I thought that but I’ve been typing so follow along with my tired brain… :).

Today’s Actions:

  1. I’ve measured between 10.5″ and 11″ on the ground for this event. At 1100 today I measured 9″ so that seems to track with the storm snowfall rates.
  2. We received a emergency lane pass with a snow plow around late morning/mid-day. The plow arrived in mid-afternoon to conduct widening/final clearing but broke just after starting.
  3. Numerous boughs and limbs are down throughout the community. Boughs and limbs impeding access to our streets have been moved from the roadways – thank you to all the volunteers who accomplished those actions as several were moved without my being around the location. FOR EVERYONE – we didn’t get much sun this afternoon to melt the snow from the trees. Tonight is going to be a challenge as I have no idea whether the trees can support that much weight on them overnight.
  4. THANK YOU to those who cleared their sidewalks and mailboxes. There are numerous areas within our community that have free sidewalks through their blocks and several that connected to their adjoining blocks. Truly appreciate your efforts today. Also – I agree with everyone’s assessment we didn’t need to clear the fire hydrants – that’s reserved for the January 2016 event……
  5. Thank you also to those who did not place their shoveled snow into the street when they released their vehicles from the snow load – that helps the plows and the sun to melt what we have on the roadways.

Tonight:

  1. We are trying to get another plow in but it’s difficult due to downed trees (closed streets), fuel impediments, and now the temperature.
  2. You should expect another plow truck and a sand truck in tonight. Sand may not be that effective due to the expected low temperatures. I watched some water draining flash freeze in front of my eyes as I was trying to clear snow to get the water from around a speed hump.
  3. DRIVING IN OUR COMMUNITY IS TREACHEROUS TONIGHT. If you do not need to travel – please do not.

Tomorrow:

  1. We’ll get a final pass-through of a plow truck tomorrow along with another sanding to get ahead of these freeze temperatures overnight.
  2. TRASH: Patriot does not have a notice about tomorrow on their website. I DO NOT RECOMMEND you place trash out tonight. I do not think the trucks will be able to navigate our streets. Please refer to their website https://www.patriotdisposalservices.com/ for the latest information.

Beyond Tomorrow:
You’ll get another update tomorrow from me. For those with downed boughs and limbs around their properties. We will get our companies in to remove the downed debris however that may take some time due to the widespread damage this storm caused. You are always free to remove any debris that is on your property.

Stay safe. Please.

Mark

2021-2022 Winter Event #1, Initial Update

Good evening.

Tomorrow we will go through our first event of the season. With the warm weather we have been experiencing we are not expecting major amounts to stick to our roadways. Please review the 2021-2022 Snow Removal Policy for specifics but here are a few points I’d like to have you consider:

  1. Please do not clear snow on to the streets, sidewalks, or your neighbor’s empty parking spaces
  2. Request you remove snow from the sidewalks in front and, in if appropriate, the rear of your townhomes.
  3. If snow totals are sufficient, please volunteer to clear mailboxes and fire hydrants near your home.
  4. Consider your neighbors who may not be physically able to remove snow easily and assist them as needed.

There is no snow emergency declared for this event.

Stay safe and be prepared.

Mark

OTHER UPDATE – FCPS IS CLOSED ON JANUARY 3, 2022.

PWCA Information for Members and Residents (December 2021, Message #2)

Good evening.  A few items for your review tonight along with a repeat of several items as they remain pertinent.

PERMANENT LINKS:
PWCA Website: https://parkwestcommunity.org/
PWCA Parking Link: https://parkwestcommunity.org/parking/

SEASONAL LINKS:
2021-2022 Snow Removal Policy:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lOaFObfVAw8u22Q94l4f3VoiVIIrYoG7/view?usp=sharing

COVID-19 Links:
CDC guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Johns Hopkins Global COVID-19 Map and Coronavirus Resources: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
State-wide analysis and guidance:  http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
County-specific guidance: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19/
County Emergency Preparedness:  https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/category/coronavirus-covid-19/

INFORMATION ITEMS:

1. HOLIDAY TEMPORARY PARKING PASS REQUESTS – NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021.  Please provide your temporary parking permit requests no later than December 19th (that’s TOMORROW) for visitors you may have through the New Year. We would like to provide our volunteers who create those passes for you the time to spend with their families and several of them are departing the local area during the week so you will not have them as assets either.  Please see the website for a current list of parking officials.  If you miss the deadline, have patience as it may take longer to generate passes for you.

2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DECEMBER 21, 2021, 7:00PM.  The December board meeting will be conducted via the RingCentral virtual meeting framework. See the website under ‘Meetings’, select the year (2021), then the meeting (20211221). Document #01-1 contains the information to join the meeting.

3. 2022 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AND ASSESSMENT TIMELINE.  The Annual Assessment for 2022 will increase to $375.00 per quarter due on the first day of each quarterly assessment period. The 2022 Assessment Notice and the Quarterly Assessment Timeline have been mailed/emailed to you and may also be found on the website.

4.  TREE WORK.  We will be conducting arbor care work over the next couple of months.  Reserved parking spaces impacted by this work will be notified and non-reserved spaces and curbs marked prior to the commencement of work.

5. HOLIDAY TRASH, RECYCLING and YARD WASTE SCHEDULE.  There are no calendar changes for this year’s holidays.  Christmas trees are usually picked up during the first two weeks of January.  See our website for details on how to prepare the tree for pickup.

6. COMMUNITY SECURITY.  With the holiday season upon us please remember to secure your packages, vehicles and homes. Keep your assets locked and thereby prevent a thief from having an easy opportunity. As a reminder, the Police non-emergency number is (703) 691-2131 to report any suspicious activity or break-ins. Also consider leaving your porch lights on throughout the night.

7. REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS. The Communications Committee is looking for a volunteer or two to help with the message board updates at both entrances. The Pool and Social Committees are also in great need of some additional volunteers to help make the activities they are responsible for a success – so far we have had had one volunteer step forward to help with the Social Committee – THANK YOU.

8.  PAINT DISPOSAL.  Lastly, for Malone Court.  Request the owner who dumped the large quantity of paint cans please collect and dispose of them.  For all – please see the website for the proper ways to dispose of your used paint cans.  There are several options but putting out liquid filled containers for the trash collection is not one of them, nor will the other professional companies we have contacted pick them up.

Please have a safe and joyous holiday week.  As I in the last message, I really appreciate all of your efforts in making the holiday season bright and festive.  Thank you for taking the time and care to generate such a welcoming environment.

Stay safe and well,

Mark

PWCA Information for Members and Residents (December 2021, Message #1)

Good evening.  A few items for your review tonight along with a repeat of several items as they remain pertinent.

PERMANENT LINKS:
PWCA Website:  https://parkwestcommunity.org/
PWCA Parking Link:  https://parkwestcommunity.org/parking/

SEASONAL LINKS:
2021-2022 Snow Removal Policy:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lOaFObfVAw8u22Q94l4f3VoiVIIrYoG7/view?usp=sharing

COVID-19 Links:
CDC guidance:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Johns Hopkins Global COVID-19 Map and Coronavirus Resources:  https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
State-wide analysis and guidance:  http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
County-specific guidance:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19/
County Emergency Preparedness:  https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/category/coronavirus-covid-19/

INFORMATION ITEMS:

1.  POOL HOUSE HOLIDAY LIGHTING PROJECT, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4,2021, 1:00 PM, POOL PARKING LOT.  We  will light the pool house and fence for the season this Saturday.  Thanks to those who have already volunteered, look forward to seeing you.  We could use a couple more volunteers so please consider giving us 30 minutes of your afternoon to help with the setup.

2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DECEMBER 21, 2021, 7:00PM.  The December board meeting will be conducted via the RingCentral virtual meeting framework. See the website under ‘Meetings’, select the year (2021), then the meeting (20211221). Document #01-1 contains the information to join the meeting.

3. OPEN DIRECTOR POSITION.  Request your consideration to place your name forward to fill the open position. We are looking for people who are invested in making a better community for all who reside here. If you are interested please complete and submit an Application for Candidacy that may be found on our website. The Nominating Committee will reach out to you after you complete that step. If you have questions I’m also available to speak with you about more specifics.

4. 2022 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AND ASSESSMENT TIMELINE.  The Annual Assessment for 2022 will increase to $375.00 per quarter due on the first day of each quarterly assessment period. The 2022 Assessment Notice and the Quarterly Assessment Timeline have been mailed/emailed to you and may also be found on the website.

5. HOLIDAY TEMPORARY PARKING PASS REQUESTS – NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021.  Please provide your temporary parking permit requests no later than December 19th for visitors you may have through the New Year. We would like to provide our volunteers who create those passes for you the time to spend with their families. Please see the website for a current list of parking officials.

6.  TREE WORK.  We will be conducting arbor care work over the next couple of months.  Reserved parking spaces impacted by this work will be notified and non-reserved spaces and curbs marked prior to the commencement of work.

7. HOLIDAY TRASH, RECYCLING and YARD WASTE SCHEDULE.  There are no calendar changes for this year’s holidays.  Christmas trees are usually picked up during the first two weeks of January.  See our website for details on how to prepare the tree for pickup.

8. COMMUNITY SECURITY.  With the holiday season upon us please remember to secure your packages, vehicles and homes. Keep your assets locked and thereby prevent a thief from having an easy opportunity. As a reminder, the Police non-emergency number is (703) 691-2131 to report any suspicious activity or break-ins. Also consider leaving your porch lights on throughout the night.

9. REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS. The Communications Committee is looking for a volunteer or two to help with the message board updates at both entrances. The Pool and Social Committees are also in great need of some additional volunteers to help make the activities they are responsible for a success.

I hope you enjoyed the Thanksgiving weekend.  The community continues to look more vibrant by the day/night as more homes are decorated for the season – thank you for taking the time and care to generate such a welcoming environment.

Stay safe and well,

Mark

PWCA Information for Members and Residents (November 2021, Message #1)

Good afternoon to all. As we’ve gone almost a month without a President Message there are a number of items for your review below.

PERMANENT LINKS:
PWCA Website:  https://parkwestcommunity.org/
PWCA Parking Link:  https://parkwestcommunity.org/parking/

SEASONAL LINKS:
2021-2022 Snow Removal Policy:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lOaFObfVAw8u22Q94l4f3VoiVIIrYoG7/view?usp=sharing

COVID-19 Links:
CDC guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Johns Hopkins GLobal COVID-19 Map and Coronavirus Resources: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
State-wide analysis and guidance:  http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
County-specific guidance: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19/
County Emergency Preparedness:  https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/category/coronavirus-covid-19/

INFORMATION:
1. 2021 ANNUAL MEETING EXCERPTS.   The Annual Meeting occurred on November 16th and was conducted from opening through the Director elections in a parallel in person/virtual format. The remainder of the meeting occurred in a fully-virtual format.  Art Gile and Matt Strain were elected for another three-year term while the third position remains open due to TJ Hanton’s retirement from the Board at the completion of this past term.  See the website for slide deck and other supporting documentation.  The draft Annual Meeting minutes will be posted to the website after being provisionally approved by the Directors at the December 2021 Board of Directors meeting.

2. OPEN DIRECTOR POSITION.   As I relayed in the last message, TJ Hanton has stepped down after nine years of volunteer service to our community. TJ – thank you personally and on behalf of the Board and the Association for your willingness to work and serve our community throughout your three terms of service. For everyone – request your consideration to place your name forward to fill the open position. We are looking for people who are interested in helping work towards making a better community for all who reside here. If you are interested please complete and submit an Application for Candidacy that may be found on our website and is attached to this message. The Nominating Committee will reach out to you after you complete that step. If you have questions I’m also available to speak with you about more specifics.

3. 2022 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AND ASSESSMENT TIMELINE.  As briefed at the Annual Meeting, the Annual Assessment for 2022 will increase to $375.00 per quarter due on the first day of each quarterly assessment period. The 2022 Assessment Notice and the 2022 Quarterly Assessment Timeline have been mailed/emailed to you and may also be found on the website.

4.  POOL HOUSE HOLIDAY LIGHTING PROJECT.  We could use several volunteers to help light the pool house and fence for the season.  Please email if you are interested and we’ll set up a date and time to gather and accomplish the work.  This won’t take long if we can get four or five people to help with the setup.

5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DECEMBER 21, 2021, 7:00PM.  The December board meeting will be conducted via the RingCentral virtual meeting framework. See the website under ‘Meetings’, select the year (2021), then the meeting (20211221). Document #01-1 contains the information to join the meeting.

6.  OCTOBER 2022 COMMUNITY RULES.  The updated Rules may be found on the website.  New residents to our community receive a copy when they are getting their initial set of parking permits.  If you would like to have a hard copy of the Rules and are not a new resident, please email parking@parkwestcommunity.org to coordinate a time to receive a copy.

7. HOLIDAY TEMPORARY PARKING PASS REQUESTS – NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021.  Please provide your temporary parking permit requests no later than December 19th for visitors you may have through the New Year. We would like to provide our volunteers who create those passes for you the time to spend with their families.  Please see the website for a current list of parking official phone numbers.

8.  TREE WORK.  We will be conducting arbor care work over the next month.  Reserved parking spaces impacted by this work will be notified and non-reserved spaces and curbs marked prior to the commencement of work.

9. HOLIDAY TRASH, RECYCLING and YARD WASTE SCHEDULE.  There are no calendar changes for this year’s holidays.  Christmas trees are usually picked up during the first two weeks of January.  See our website for details on how to prepare the tree for pickup.

10. COMMUNITY SECURITY.   With the holiday season upon us please remember to secure your packages, vehicles and homes. Keep your assets locked and thereby prevent a thief from having an easy opportunity. As a reminder, the Police non-emergency number is (703) 691-2131 to report any suspicious activity or break-ins. Also consider leaving your porch lights on throughout the night.

11. COMMUNICATIONS.  The November 2021 newsletter is digital-only and available on the website – if you would like a hard copy please contact  communications@parkwestcommunity.org.

12. REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS. The Communications Committee is looking for a volunteer or two to help with the message board updates at both entrances. The Pool and Social Committees are in great need of some additional volunteers to help make the activities they are responsible for a success.

13.  DUMPING ON COMMON GROUNDS.  There has been an increase in yard debris and other fill being placed in the common areas.  While I greatly appreciate all of your efforts to care for your residences and yards please be considerate to your neighbors, the community, and the environment.  We have a yard waste collection for a reason – to collect and transfer excess yard debris from you to a proper recycling center.  Please do the environment and community a favor and do not dump excess debris in the common area surrounding your residence.  If you need a special pickup to handle debris generated by a project, call Patriot to work the details and schedule a specific pickup for your debris.

14. COLD WEATHER PREPARATION.  Check the newsletter for our article on this important subject.  Each year there challenges faced by homeowners – consider taking these steps to take to be prepared for winter and limit potential damage to your home. The PWCA snow policy is posted on the website; please read and understand it before any snow emergency might be declared for the Community. Lastly, if/when the snow or ice storms arrive all residents are expected to shovel and de-ice the sidewalks in front of their homes. Help your neighbors and your community by assisting others if needed, clearing around fire hydrants, and clearing the mail boxes.

Alright, that was quite a bit of information.  Thank you for taking the time to read the message.  May you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Stay safe and well,

Mark